It was a busy day for Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher, but he managed to take some time out to taste the coffee at Warren's Top Shelf Coffee.
Fisher stopped at the Griswold Street facility Tuesday to discuss owner Jordan Filipiidis' recent contract to supply coffee to NBA gift shops and local stores. Fillipiidis told Fisher he has been unable to secure funding from local banks and had it not been for a $50,000 loan from the city of Warren and help from local businessmen, he wouldn't have been able to take the contract. He said Warren Mayor Mike O'Brien was the only local politician to help.
"They don't want to see this town lose another good opportunity like this," Filipiidis told Fisher. "Some wonderful business people and I am very grateful for them."
With the loans from the city and the local businessmen, he has been able to purchase a machine, which packages the coffee. He has also been able to hire five more people and his company is continuing to grow. He said he is also in the process of looking for a larger facility.
"I have boxes everywhere," Filiipidis said, as he walked through his crowded facility.
He also said he would like to get about $20,000 more so he can get a label applicator for the machine.
Fisher said he is going to do what he can to help.
"Over the next month, I will try to help you get additional funds so you can take the opportunity with the NBA and grow it into something that will be truly national," Fisher said.
Filipiidis said while Fisher tries to help, he will keep the coffee brewing.
